State Department awards $85K for shuttle services, highlighting potential for efficient local transport solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $85,086 ($85.1K)

Contractor: EZ Shuttle (PTY) Ltd

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-04-19

Contract Duration: 12 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: USCIS - SHUTTLE AND BUS TRANSPORT

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $85,085.77 to EZ SHUTTLE (PTY) LTD for work described as: USCIS - SHUTTLE AND BUS TRANSPORT Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the short duration and specific service needs. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. The contract is a purchase order, indicating a straightforward, transactional need. 4. Performance is expected to be within a defined two-week period. 5. This contract falls within the broader category of transportation services for government personnel.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $85,000 for a 12-day period (with a 2-week service window) suggests a daily rate of approximately $7,082. This rate needs to be benchmarked against local taxi and ridesharing services in the specific geographic area of operation. Without more granular data on the scope of services (e.g., number of vehicles, passenger capacity, mileage), a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the fixed-price nature of the purchase order provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. With 10 bids received, this suggests a competitive marketplace for shuttle and bus transportation services. The level of competition is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive bidding process, which is expected to drive down costs and ensure fair market value for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Government personnel requiring transportation services will benefit from this contract. The services delivered include shuttle and bus transport, facilitating movement. The geographic impact is localized to the area where the services are required by the Department of State. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving drivers and support staff for the contracted service provider.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if service requirements are not clearly defined.
Dependence on a single vendor for a critical short-term service.
Geographic limitations of the service provider could impact availability.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating market availability.
Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Short duration limits long-term financial commitment and risk.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader transportation services sector, specifically focusing on ground transportation. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 485310 (Taxi and Ridesharing Services) suggests a market that includes various forms of passenger transport. Government spending in this area often supports official travel, logistical support, and personnel movement, particularly in locations where standard public transit may be insufficient or inconvenient.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the nature of the service and the competition level, it's possible small businesses participated in the bidding process, but their specific role or impact is not detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order, oversight is typically managed by the contracting officer and the program office responsible for the transportation services. Accountability is tied to the terms and conditions of the purchase order, including service delivery and invoicing. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific operational details may be internal.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Travel Services
Government Vehicle Operations
Local Transportation Contracts
Emergency Response Transportation

Risk Flags

Short contract duration may limit flexibility for extended needs.
Potential for increased administrative burden due to short performance window.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $85,085.77 to EZ SHUTTLE (PTY) LTD. USCIS - SHUTTLE AND BUS TRANSPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EZ SHUTTLE (PTY) LTD.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $85,085.77.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-04-19.

What is the typical cost per mile or per hour for similar shuttle services procured by the Department of State or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the cost per mile or hour for similar shuttle services is crucial for assessing value. While the provided data indicates a total contract value of $85,085.77 for a 12-day period (with a service window of April 7-19, 2026), it lacks specifics on mileage or operational hours. Typically, federal agencies aim for rates comparable to commercial services in the locality, adjusted for any specific security or logistical requirements. Without detailed service metrics (e.g., number of vehicles, passenger capacity, total mileage covered, or hours of operation), a precise comparison is difficult. However, the implied daily rate of approximately $7,090 suggests a significant operation, potentially involving multiple vehicles or extensive routes. Further analysis would require comparing this daily rate against publicly available commercial shuttle service rates in the contract's geographic area, considering factors like peak vs. off-peak demand and service level agreements.

How does the number of bids (10) compare to the average number of bids for similar transportation service contracts?

Receiving 10 bids for this shuttle and bus transport service contract suggests a healthy level of competition. For many federal service contracts, the average number of bids can vary significantly based on the contract's value, complexity, and the specific industry. However, 10 bids generally indicates that the solicitation was widely known and that multiple vendors were interested and capable of performing the service. This level of competition is often seen as favorable, as it increases the likelihood that the government is receiving competitive pricing and that the chosen vendor offers a strong value proposition. Agencies often aim for at least three bids to ensure adequate competition, so 10 bids exceed this benchmark, potentially leading to better outcomes for the taxpayer.

What are the specific risks associated with a short-duration contract like this (12 days)?

Short-duration contracts, such as this 12-day service period, present several specific risks. Firstly, there's a risk of inadequate service if unforeseen issues arise, as there is limited time to rectify problems or switch vendors. Vendor performance might be rushed, potentially impacting quality. Secondly, the administrative overhead for procuring and managing a short-term contract can sometimes be disproportionately high compared to the contract value, although the purchase order format may mitigate this. Thirdly, if the service is critical and becomes indispensable, there's a risk of vendor lock-in or price escalation if the need extends beyond the initial period. Finally, ensuring consistent service quality and compliance within such a compressed timeframe requires diligent oversight from the agency.

What is the track record of EZ SHUTTLE (PTY) LTD in performing federal contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of EZ SHUTTLE (PTY) LTD in performing federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data snippet. To assess their reliability and past performance, one would typically consult the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). These systems contain records of past contract awards, performance evaluations, and any disputes or terminations. A thorough review would examine the types of contracts they've held, their performance ratings, and whether they have successfully completed similar transportation services for government clients. Without this external data, it's difficult to gauge their experience and reliability beyond the fact that they were awarded this specific purchase order.

How does the NAICS code 485310 (Taxi and Ridesharing Services) typically align with government transportation needs?

The NAICS code 485310, encompassing Taxi and Ridesharing Services, aligns with government transportation needs by providing on-demand or scheduled passenger transport. Federal agencies often require such services for official travel, moving personnel between locations (e.g., airports, training sites, meetings), or providing transportation in areas where other options are limited. While traditionally associated with taxis, this code now broadly covers various app-based ridesharing platforms as well. Government procurement under this code can range from individual rides for employees to chartering multiple vehicles for group movements. The flexibility and availability offered by services under this NAICS code make them a common solution for specific, often short-term or localized, transportation requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Taxi and Limousine Service › Taxi and Ridesharing Services

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 184 BRONKHORST STREET, PRETORIA

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, International Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $85,086

Exercised Options: $85,086

Current Obligation: $85,086

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline